The Expat Life: Online Groups And Social Media

Posted on 17. Feb, 2009 by Emmanuelle Archer in Blog, Expat Life, Tools & Resources
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Many online conversations revolved around Facebook yesterday. Users are none too happy with the new terms of service and worry about the privacy of their data.
I will leave it to the specialists to say whether this uproar is warranted. However, all this talk about online social networks reminded me of how useful and important those sites can be to us expats.

As much as I love sending and receiving “real” (i.e., handwritten) mail, I have to say that sometimes nothing beats the convenience of looking up a former colleague in France on LinkedIn, or sending a quick update via Twitter to friends on the East Coast. Online message boards aimed specifically at expats can also be a great way to meet friends, build new networks, obtain hard-to-find information or find a sympathetic ear when the expat blues gets too much.

What sites, message boards and social networks do you use on a regular basis? What do you like best about them?

Facebook is not for me. LinkedIn on the other hand…

I never got into MySpace or Facebook- they are too cluttered for my taste. They also do double duty with other online tools. For international business networking purposes however, I am an enthusiastic LinkedIn user. Their greatest asset may be their Q&A feature, that allows you to ask questions of everyone in your extended networks. Extremely valuable if you are looking for input from people in many different countries.
My LinkedIn profile.

Twitter: a revelation

Like many, I resisted Twitter for the longest time, fearing that it would be nothing but stream of consciousness ramblings and random updates on who ate what for dinner. When I finally took the plunge, I realised how wrong I was. In hindsight, I am kicking myself for missing out on such a fantastic tool for so long.
OK, there actually are some useless ramblings, but once you spot interesting people to follow, you will be amazed at how much value you get out of Twitter. New perspectives, links to fascinating sites and books, immediate feedback on your latest idea, there are no limits to the inspiration you can find there.
My Twitter profile (@emmanuelle_a).

Expat sites: ready-made networks

One of the most common challenges that newly arrived expats face is isolation and lack of support systems. Expat message boards and websites can help you build networks fast and almost effortlessly. They are also a go-to resource when you cannot find the information you need on Google. If you have no idea where to shop for furniture or light bulbs, ask away on a message board you frequent; someone is bound to know.

Here are a few of my favourite sites:
- InterNations.org
A very active message board that regularly organises local events so that members can actually meet each other in person. Access to the site is by invitation only. If you are interested in joining, please let me know in the comments and I will be happy to send you an invitation.
- ExpatForum.com
Particularly helpful for pre-move planning and support, as members tend to primarily focus on the relocation stage.
- Expat Interviews Forum
A rapidly growing forum, with an interesting range of locations. Recent discussions featured Belize, Romania and Uruguay. A good resource for those heading to off the beaten track destinations.
- Lonely Planet Thorn Tree
Yes, this is primarily a travel forum. However, many members are former or current expats who will happily share their knowledge of a particular area. “Tell it like it is” is very much the motto there, so do stop by if you need a little reality check concerning cost of living, safety or accommodation.

What helpful websites and message boards would you add to this list?
Is there a type of online expat resources that you wish existed but cannot seem to find anywhere?

I am always happy to get to know readers better, so do not hesitate to connect on LinkedIn, Twitter or on any forum where you may find me (my user name is usually Emmanuelle Archer). Please feel free to say hi and let me know how things are going for you!

Emmanuelle